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Direct Service Professional Jobs in Springfield, MA

ServiceNet

Direct Care Professional

Palmer, MA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Vision insurance Direct Care Professional Department ... Developmental Brain Injury Services Location: Residential programs throughout Hamden, Hampshire ...

Almadan Inc.

Relief - Direct Care Professional

Amherst, MA · On-site

$20.50 - $21/hr

Wellness resources LOOKING FOR RELIEF/PER DIEM Direct Support Professional SUMMARY OF POSITION: To ... Provides supervision, assistance, and support to individuals receiving services from Almadan, Inc ...

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All JobsDirect Service Professional JobsDirect Service Professional Jobs in Springfield, MA

Direct Service Professional information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$8

$16

$21

How much do direct service professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct service professional in Springfield, MA is $16.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $18.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct service professional?

A direct support professional works to assist people with disabilities. In this career, your job duties include helping people in a residential assisted living community; however, most direct support professionals work offsite in the homes or schools of support program participants. You need strong organizational and communication skills to deal with clients, their other caretakers, and their family members. Most employers expect you to document your experience with each client and note changes in behavior and progress toward developmental goals. Educational qualifications include a high school diploma and previous experience or on-the-job training.

What are some common challenges faced by direct service professionals and how can they be addressed?

Direct Service Professionals often encounter challenges such as managing clients with complex behavioral needs, maintaining clear communication among team members, and balancing documentation requirements with hands-on support. To address these challenges, it's important to participate in regular training sessions, collaborate closely with supervisors and colleagues, and utilize available support resources. Building strong relationships with clients and fostering a positive, team-oriented environment also help make the role more rewarding and manageable.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct service professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct Service Professional, you need a foundational understanding of client care, basic health and safety, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with electronic documentation systems and CPR/First Aid certification are often required. Patience, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work collaboratively are crucial soft skills for building trust with clients and supporting their daily needs. These abilities are essential for providing quality care, ensuring client well-being, and fostering a supportive environment.

What is the difference between Direct Service Professional vs Personal Care Assistant?

AspectDirect Service ProfessionalPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsOften requires CPR, First Aid, and sometimes specialized trainingMay require basic certifications like CPR, First Aid, but less specialized training
Work EnvironmentCommunity settings, group homes, residential facilitiesPrivate homes, individual client settings
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, social services, non-profitsHome care agencies, private clients
Job FocusSupporting individuals with disabilities, mental health, or developmental needsAssisting with daily living activities for elderly or disabled clients

While both roles involve providing care and support, a Direct Service Professional typically works in community or facility settings with a focus on individuals with disabilities or mental health needs, often requiring specialized training. A Personal Care Assistant usually works in private homes, assisting with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and mobility, often with fewer certifications required.

Is a direct service professional a good career?

A direct service professional (DSP) provides support to individuals with disabilities or mental health needs, often working in community or residential settings. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in helping others, with opportunities for certification, skill development, and advancement, though it may involve physically demanding work and variable schedules.
More about Direct Service Professional jobs

What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Direct Service Professional jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Direct Service Professional job openings:

Direct Service Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Service Professional job openings in Springfield, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,741 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Direct Care Staff - Hartford (Part-time)

Center for Human Development

Hartford, CT • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

The Center for Human Development (CHD) is seeking Direct Care Staff to join our team at our Odyssey residential program in the Hartford, CT. Our direct care staff establish life-changing relationships with our participants and provide opportunities to optimize their independence, rehabilitation and recovery.
Odyssey house is a structured young adult residential program designed to support individuals as they build the essential life skills needed for successful community living. The program emphasizes Client development, focusing not only on practical skills but also on community integration, personal empowerment, and responsibility. Through individualized planning, structured routines, and collaborative support, Odyssey prepares young adults to transition confidently into the community with greater autonomy, resilience, and overall well-being. Many of the individuals served in Odyssey experience co-occurring mental health needs, which may include mood disorders, anxiety, trauma-related conditions, or other behavioral health challenges.
Your role as a Direct Care Staff:
The Direct Care Staff works within the Agency's team model, establishing open communication, support, and accountability among co-workers. Providing a supportive residential environment for individuals who are challenged by mental health and substance abuse histories in a community-based group home. Our goal is to provide an environment that encourages program participants to grow and to live as independently as possible. Some additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Daily activities include providing direct services to program clients living in a group home setting in the community
  • Supporting clients' activities of daily living and monitoring clients' self-administer medication
  • Advocating for individuals' within various community settings, and providing opportunities to optimize their independence, rehabilitation and recovery
  • Develop professional and supportive relationships with clients and provide informal counseling and guidance with a person-centered focus
  • The ideal candidates will have a desire to work with members of our community who have mental illness and substance abuse struggles or both

SUCCESS FACTORS:
Caring, Compassionate, Committed: If these three words describe you, then a career at CHD may be in your future. Successful staff can also find opportunities within our large and diverse system of care for lateral and upward mobility. Written and verbal communication skills are critical, as is the ability to work with computers.
REQUIREMENTS:
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Valid driver's license
  • Registered & insured vehicle available for work purposes
  • Approved criminal background and driving check
  • Experience working with psychiatric disorders or co-occurring population preferred

SCHEDULE:
Part-time
2nd shift, 2:00pm-10:00pm. Days on: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. Days off: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.
Pay rate is $20.00/hr. Take advantage of a phenomenal benefit package that includes Dental, Health and Life insurance. Paid time off, earned vacation time and paid holidays just to name a few.
AT CENTER FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (CHD), Care Finds a way:
The Center for Human Development (CHD) provides a broad range of high quality, community-oriented human services dedicated to promoting, enhancing, and protecting the dignity and welfare of people in need. At CHD we are celebrating differences, inclusion is not just a policy- it is a daily practice. Multicultural, multilingual, and fluent in sign language, CHD is a reflection of those we serve.
CONNECT WITH OUR TEAM TODAY!
If this sounds like the right job for you, do not wait - apply today to join our team. We look forward to hearing from you!
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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